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As the probe into Russia’s influence in the 2016 presidential
election continues, Special Counsel Robert Mueller has issued a
subpoena for one key figure’s spokesperson and lawyer.

Mueller issued the subpoena to the spokesman of President Donald
Trump’s former campaign manager, Paul Manafort, Monday night.
Manafort is under multiple investigations for his financial
dealings and lobbying work with Ukrainian and pro-Russia
officials.

A former lawyer for Manafort was also reportedly issued a
subpoena.

Despite some opposition to Mueller’s probe from Republicans,
President Donald Trump apparently isn’t “discussing” firing him
and House Speaker Paul Ryan said he should be able to “do his
job.”

Mueller, 73, impaneled a grand jury earlier in August as part of
his examination. Read on for a brief rundown on his
investigation so far.

Appointment

The Department of Justice announced the appointment of Mueller
to oversee the federal investigation into Russia’s alleged
meddling in the 2016 election on May 17.

The appointment came after a growing cry – mostly from Democrats
– mounted for someone outside the Justice Department to handle
the probe. Attorney Gen. Jeff Sessions had already recused
himself from the investigation.

Mueller led the FBI through the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and
served under presidential administrations of both parties.

He has the authority to prosecute any crimes uncovered during
his investigation, and he was given wide authority to
investigate whether Trump or his associates colluded with the
Kremlin to win the White House.

Mueller expanded the probe to include investigating Trump for
obstruction of justice because he fired FBI Director James Comey
earlier in May.

Trump told Fox News the claims that he obstructed justice were
"ridiculous" and said Mueller's friendship with Comey was "very
bothersome."

Mueller has also taken over an ongoing investigation into
Trump’s former campaign manager’s financial dealings in Ukraine.
The F.B.I. executed a search warrant last month at the Virginia
home of Paul Manafort, who – prior to joining Trump’s campaign –
worked with a Russia-backed Ukrainian president.

Staffing controversy

The Trump administration heavily criticized Mueller’s
investigation last month as several of his attorneys on staff
donated to Democratic campaigns, including to Trump’s 2016
rival, Hillary Clinton.

“They clearly wanted the other person to win. Now, whether that
prejudices them in one way or another remains to be seen, but it
is relevant information for people to have,” Conway told “Fox
and Friends" in July.

Grand jury

Mueller kicked off August by impaneling a grand jury to
investigate Russia’s influence – an indication that the probe is
entering a new phase.

A grand jury gives prosecutors the ability to subpoena documents
and gather on-the-record witness testimonies. Indictments can
also be sought.

SENATORS INTRODUCE BILL TO PROTECT MUELLER FROM FIRING

Grand juries are common vehicles to gather evidence, though they
do not suggest any criminal charges are near or will necessarily
be sought.

Trump’s comments

Trump has dismissed the allegations of collusion with Russia as
a “fake story that is demeaning to all of us and most of all
demeaning to our country and demeaning to our Constitution.”

"I just hope the final determination is a truly honest one..."

- President Donald Trump
"I just hope the final determination is a truly honest one,
which is what the millions of people who gave us our big win in
November deserve and what all Americans who want a better future
want and deserve," Trump said at a rally in West Virginia last
week.

The president also warned Mueller to stay within certain
boundaries as he investigates.

But White House counselor Kellyanne Conway told Fox News earlier
this month that the Trump administration is not “discussing”
firing Mueller and will cooperate with the investigation.

She contended that while Russia probe is a “witch hunt” and
“fake,” Trump “has not even discussed” nor is “discussing”
sacking Mueller.

Trump and Mueller have sent messages “back and forth,” according
to Trump’s outside counsel. A spokesman for Mueller told Fox
News that the messages have been “very professional.”